New Delhi, Dec 18 : The worsening air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) will be discussed in detail in Parliament today, with a special focus on the city’s deteriorating Air Quality Index (AQI) and the effectiveness of ongoing mitigation measures under Rule 193.
The discussion in the Lok Sabha is scheduled for 2 pm, with participation from Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, and BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj. Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav is set to respond at 5 pm, detailing the government’s strategies to tackle the hazardous pollution levels.
As of 10 am today, the AQI in Delhi was recorded at 358, placing the city in the “very poor” category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board.
Opposition Voices Concern
Ahead of the debate, MPs expressed strong criticism of the government’s handling of pollution. Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav mocked Delhi CM Rekha Gupta for referring to the AQI as a temperature reading, highlighting public confusion over the severity of air pollution. Congress MP Pramod Tiwari described Delhi as a “gas chamber” and blamed both the central and previous AAP governments for failing to improve air quality, stating that breathing in the capital has become increasingly difficult for residents.
Government’s Anti-Pollution Measures
To combat the crisis, the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been invoked. GRAP-4 restrictions are currently in place, following a prolonged GRAP-3 phase that halted all construction work for 16 days. Registered construction laborers will receive Rs 10,000 each in compensation for GRAP-3 days through direct benefit transfer (DBT).
Additionally, as of midnight, vehicles without a Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) will be denied fuel at petrol pumps across Delhi. The Supreme Court has also permitted action against owners using vehicles below the BS IV emission standard in the NCR. Trucks carrying construction materials into the city have been banned to reduce dust and particulate matter.
The Parliament debate aims to assess these measures and evaluate additional steps needed to protect public health and reduce pollution levels in the national capital.